Back to EveryPatent.com
United States Patent |
6,266,818
|
Howland
,   et al.
|
July 31, 2001
|
Penetration resistant garment
Abstract
A penetration resistant garment that may be comfortably worn by a user
while offering protection against injury from a penetrating object, such
as a water jet for example, includes a plurality of light-weight, rigid,
discrete penetration resistant sections (30) cooperating with and arranged
relative to one another to provide a flexible garment (20). The sections
(30) may be layered in an overlapping manner to provide substantially
complete coverage extending over an area of desired coverage. Also, a
length of the garment may be less than a sum of the lengths of the
individual sections (30).
Inventors:
|
Howland; Charles A. (Weston, MA);
Howland; Virginia (Weston, MA);
Schroeder; Narain (Nashua, NH)
|
Assignee:
|
Warwick Mills Inc (New Ipswich, NH)
|
Appl. No.:
|
339137 |
Filed:
|
June 24, 1999 |
Current U.S. Class: |
2/2.5; 89/36.05; 428/911; 442/189 |
Intern'l Class: |
F41H 001/02; F41H 001/04 |
Field of Search: |
428/221,223,911
2/2.5
442/189
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
921352 | May., 1909 | Blaker et al. | 2/2.
|
1282411 | Oct., 1918 | Golembiowski | 2/2.
|
4648136 | Mar., 1987 | Higuchi | 2/2.
|
4660223 | Apr., 1987 | Fritch | 2/2.
|
4694505 | Sep., 1987 | Flosi et al. | 2/2.
|
5515541 | May., 1996 | Sacks et al. | 2/2.
|
5565264 | Oct., 1996 | Howland | 428/229.
|
5738925 | Apr., 1998 | Chaput | 428/101.
|
5839623 | Nov., 1998 | Howland | 442/189.
|
5881395 | Mar., 1999 | Donzis | 2/445.
|
5976996 | Nov., 1999 | Howland | 442/189.
|
5996115 | Dec., 1999 | Mazelsky | 2/2.
|
6035438 | Mar., 2000 | Neal et al. | 2/2.
|
Other References
Warwick Mills Sales Brochure for TurtleSkin.RTM. WaterArmor.TM. 10K and
TurtleSkin.RTM. WaterAmor.TM. Gaiters, 1999.
Web site printout for WaterArmor.TM., NBL Corp., 1999.
|
Primary Examiner: Calvert; John J.
Assistant Examiner: Muromoto, Jr.; Robert H.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Wolf, Greenfield & Sacks, P.C.
Parent Case Text
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/105,601, under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e), filed on Oct. 26, 1998, which
is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A penetration resistant garment comprising:
a plurality of penetration resistant panels cooperating with and arranged
relative to one another to provide substantially complete coverage
extending over an area of desired coverage; and
at least one pivot pin joining together at least some adjacent panels.
2. A garment according to claim 1 wherein said panels are layered in an
overlapping manner.
3. A garment according to claim 1 wherein said area of desired coverage
includes a length of desired coverage, with at least some of said panels
cooperating with each other such that said length of said area of desired
coverage may be adjusted.
4. A garment according to claim 1 wherein any of said panels forming said
garment is replaceable.
5. A garment according to claim 1 further comprising at least one strap
attached to at least one panel for a wearer to don said garment.
6. A garment according to claim 1 wherein said garment is adapted to be
worn exclusively on one of a front or back of a wearer.
7. A garment according to claim 1 wherein each said panel comprises a
backing and a penetration resistant fabric covering said backing, with
said penetration resistant fabric occupying an area less than a total area
of said backing.
8. A garment according to claim 7 wherein said backing includes an edge,
with said penetration resistant fabric covering said backing such that
said edge of said backing remains exposed.
9. A garment according to claim 1 wherein each said panel comprises a
backing, a penetration resistant fabric covering said backing, and a
laminate disposed over said penetration resistant fabric.
10. A garment according to claim 1 further comprising a cover removably
covering at least one of said panels.
11. A garment according to claim 1 wherein each said panel comprises a
penetration resistant fabric and a hardening material cooperating with
said penetration resistant fabric.
12. A garment according to claim 11 wherein each said panel further
comprises a crystalline material adhered to said hardening material.
13. A garment according to claim 12 wherein said crystalline material is
selected from the group consisting of ceramic, garnet, metal, silicon
carbide, aluminum oxide and diamond.
14. A garment according to claim 1 wherein at least some of said panels are
configured to form a torso section, with said torso section comprising a
chest panel, a left waist panel attached to said chest panel, a right
waist panel attached to said chest panel and a groin panel attached to
said chest panel and said waist panels.
15. A garment according to claim 1 wherein at least some of said panels are
configured to form a chaps section, with said chaps section comprising
first and second leg sections, with each said leg section comprising a
thigh panel and a knee section, said knee section comprising an upper knee
panel, a lower knee panel and a knee pad coupled between said upper and
lower panels, with said upper panel being adjustably secured to said thigh
panel.
16. A garment according to claim 15 wherein said thigh panel is adapted to
receive an outhaul strap.
17. A garment according to claim 15 wherein said knee pad is pinned to said
upper panel with a first pair of pivot pins and pinned to said lower panel
with a second pair of pivot pins, said first and second pairs of pivot
pins being positioned through said knee pad at predetermined locations
such that an effective center of rotation of said upper panel, said lower
panel and said knee pad passes through a center of rotation of the knee of
a wearer.
18. A garment according to claim 1 wherein at least some of said panels are
configured to form a gaiter section, with said gaiter section comprising
at least one shin panel, an ankle panel and a foot panel, with said shin,
ankle and foot panels being pinned together at one or more locations to
allow at least one of ankle rotation and toe articulation of said gaiter
section when worn by a wearer.
19. A penetration resistant garment comprising:
a plurality of penetration resistant panels, each having a length,
cooperating with and arranged relative to one another such that a length
of said garment is less than a sum of the lengths of said panels, with at
least some of said panels cooperating with each other such that said
length of said garment may be adjusted.
20. A garment according to claim 19 wherein said panels are layered in an
overlapping manner.
21. A garment according to claim 19 wherein at least some of said panels
cooperate with one another such that a panel is adapted to slide relative
to an adjacent panel.
22. A garment according to claim 19 further comprising a pivot pin, wherein
said at least some of said panels are joined together with said pivot pin.
23. A garment according to claim 19 further comprising a hook and loop
fastener, wherein at least some of said panels are joined together with
said hook and loop fastener.
24. A garment according to claim 19 further comprising a base material
adapted for wearing by a user, with said panels being secured to an outer
surface of said base material.
25. A garment according to claim 19 comprising a base material adapted for
wearing by a user, with said panels cooperating with said base material
such that said base material may flex at an intersection between adjacent
panels.
26. A garment according to claim 19 wherein any of said panels forming said
garment is replaceable.
27. A garment according to claim 19 further comprising at least one strap
attached to at least one panel for a wearer to don said garment.
28. A garment according to claim 19 wherein said garment is adapted to be
worn exclusively on one of a front or back of a wearer.
29. A garment according to claim 19 wherein each said panel comprises a
backing and a penetration resistant fabric covering said backing, with
said penetration resistant fabric occupying an area less than a total area
of said backing.
30. A garment according to claim 29 wherein said backing includes an edge,
with said penetration resistant fabric covering said backing such that
said edge of said backing remains exposed.
31. A garment according to claim 19 wherein each said panel comprises a
backing, a penetration resistant fabric covering said backing, and a
laminate disposed over said penetration resistant fabric.
32. A garment according to claim 19 further comprising a cover removably
covering at least one of said panels.
33. A garment according to claim 19 wherein each said panel comprises a
penetration resistant fabric and a hardening material cooperating with
said penetration resistant fabric.
34. A garment according to claim 33 wherein each said panel further
comprises a crystalline mat adhered to said hardening material.
35. A garment according to claim 34 wherein said crystalline material is
selected from the group consisting of ceramic, garnet, metal, silicon
carbide, aluminum oxide and diamond.
36. A garment according to claim 19 wherein at least some of said panels
are configured to form a torso section, with said torso section comprising
a chest panel, a left waist panel attached to said chest panel, a right
waist panel attached to said chest panel and a groin panel attached to
said chest panel and said waist panels.
37. A garment according to claim 19 wherein at least some of said panels
are configured to form a chaps section, with said chaps section comprising
first and second leg sections, with each said leg section comprising a
thigh panel and a knee section, said knee section comprising an upper knee
panel, a lower knee panel and a knee pad coupled between said upper and
lower panels, with said upper panel being adjustably secured to said thigh
panel.
38. A garment according to claim 37 wherein said thigh panel is adapted to
receive an outhaul strap.
39. A garment according to claim 37 wherein said knee pad is pinned to said
upper panel with a first pair of pivot pins and pinned to said lower panel
with a second pair of pivot pins, said first and second pairs of pivot
pins being positioned through said knee pad at predetermined locations
such that an effective center of rotation of said upper panel, said lower
panel and said knee pad passes through a center of rotation of the knee of
a wearer.
40. A garment according to claim 19 wherein at least some of said panels
are configured to form a gaiter section, with said gaiter section
comprising at least one shin panel, an ankle panel and a foot panel, with
said shin, ankle and foot panels being pinned together at one or more
locations to allow at least one of ankle rotation and toe articulation of
said gaiter section when worn by a wearer.
41. A garment according to claim 19 wherein said panels define a plurality
of fastening locations.
42. A garment according to claim 19 further comprising a snap fastener
disposed between said first and second panels, wherein at least some
adjacent panels are joined together with said snap fastener.
43. A penetration resistant garment comprising:
a first panel;
a second panel;
a knee pad coupled between said first and said second panels, said knee pad
being pivotally connected to said first panel about a first pivot axis and
pivotally connected to said second panel about a second pivot axis, said
first and second pivot axes being positioned through said knee pad at
predetermined locations such that an effective center of rotation of said
first panel, said second panel and said knee pad passes through a center
of rotation of the knee of a wearer.
44. A method of donning at least a section of a penetration resistant
garment on a wearer, the section having a knee section comprising a knee
pad, a first panel pivotally connected to the knee pad and a second panel
pivotally connected to the knee pad, the section further comprising a
thigh section adapted to be adjustable relative to the first panel of the
knee section, with said method comprising the steps of:
first securing the knee section to the wearer; then,
attaching the thigh section to the first panel of the knee section to
obtain a desired length of the section of the penetration resistant
garment.
45. A kit of parts for use in assembling at least a portion of a
penetration resistant garment, with said kit comprising:
at least one penetration resistant panel, with said panel being adapted to
cooperate with and arranged relative to adjacent panels to provide
substantially complete coverage extending over an area of desired
coverage.
46. A kit of parts according to claim 45 further comprising a plurality of
pivot pins, wherein at least some of said panels is adapted to be joined
together with at least one of said pivot pins.
47. A kit of parts according to claim 45 wherein at least two of said
panels comprises a hook and loop fastener, respectively.
48. A kit of parts according to claim 45 further comprising a base material
adapted for wearing by a user, with said panels adapted to be secured to
said base material.
49. A kit of parts according to claim 48 wherein said base material
comprises at least one pocket, with said panels adapted to be disposed
within said at least one pocket.
50. A kit of parts according to claim 45 wherein at least one of said
panels comprises at least one strap adapted for donning said panel to a
wearer.
51. A kit of parts according to claim 45 wherein each said panel comprises
a backing and a penetration resistant material covering said backing, with
said penetration resistant material occupying an area less than a total
area of said backing.
52. A kit of parts according to claim 51 wherein said backing includes an
edge, with said penetration resistant material covering said backing such
that said edge of said backing remains exposed.
53. A kit of parts according to claim 45 wherein each said panel comprises
a backing, a penetration resistant material covering said backing, and a
laminate disposed over said penetration resistant material.
54. A kit of parts according to claim 45 further comprising a cover adapted
to removably cover at least one of said panels.
55. A kit of parts according to claim 45 wherein each said panel comprises
a penetration resistant materials and a hardening material cooperating
with said penetration resistant material.
56. A kit of parts according to claim 55 wherein each said panel further
comprises a crystalline material adhered to said hardening material.
57. A kit of parts according to claim 56 wherein said crystalline material
is selected from the group consisting of ceramic, garnet, metal, silicon
carbide, aluminum oxide and diamond.
58. A penetration resistant garment comprising:
a plurality of penetration resistant panels cooperating with and arranged
relative to one another to provide substantially complete coverage
extending over an area of desired coverage, wherein any of said panels
forming said garment is replaceable.
59. A garment according to claim 58 wherein said panels are layered in an
overlapping manner.
60. A garment according to claim 58 wherein at least some of said panels
cooperate with one another such that a panel is adapted to slide relative
to an adjacent panel.
61. A garment according to claim 58 further comprising a hook and loop
fastener, wherein at least some of said panels are joined together with
said hook and loop fastener.
62. A garment according to claim 58 further comprising a base material
adapted for wearing by a user, with said panels being secured to an outer
surface of said base material.
63. A garment according to claim 58 further comprising a base material
adapted for wearing by a user, with said panels cooperating with said base
material such that said base material may flex at an intersection between
adjacent panels.
64. A garment according to claim 58 further comprising a base material
adapted for wearing by a user, with said base material comprising at least
one pocket, with said panels being disposed within said at least one
pocket.
65. A garment according to claim 58 wherein said garment is adapted to be
worn exclusively on one of a front or back of a wearer.
66. A garment according to claim 58 wherein each said panel comprises a
backing and a penetration resistant fabric covering said backing, with
said penetration resistant fabric occupying an area less than a total area
of said backing.
67. A garment according to claim 66 wherein said backing includes an edge,
with said penetration resistant fabric covering said backing such that
said edge of said backing remains exposed.
68. A garment according to claim 58 wherein each said panel comprises a
backing, a penetration resistant fabric covering said backing, and a
laminate disposed over said penetration resistant fabric.
69. A garment according to claim 58 further comprising a cover removably
covering at least one of said panels.
70. A garment according to claim 58 wherein each said panel comprises a
penetration resistant fabric and a hardening material cooperating with
said penetration resistant fabric.
71. A garment according to claim 70 wherein each said panel further
comprises a crystalline material adhered to said hardening material.
72. A garment according to claim 71 wherein said crystalline material is
selected from the group consisting of ceramic, garnet, metal, silicon
carbide, aluminum oxide and diamond.
73. A garment according to claim 58 wherein at least some of said panels
are configured to form a torso section, with said torso section comprising
a chest panel, a left waist panel attached to said chest panel, a right
waist panel attached to said chest panel and a groin panel attached to
said chest panel and said waist panels.
74. A garment according to claim 58 wherein at least some of said panels
are configured to form a chaps section, with said chaps section comprising
first and second leg sections, with each said leg section comprising a
thigh panel and a knee section, said knee section comprising an upper knee
panel, a lower knee panel and a knee pad coupled between said upper and
lower panels, with said upper panel being adjustably secured said thigh
panel.
75. A garment according to claim 74 wherein said thigh panel is adapted to
receive an outhaul strap.
76. A garment according to claim 74 wherein said knee pad is pinned to said
upper panel with a first pair of pivot pins and pinned to said lower panel
with a second pair of pivot pins, said first and second pairs of pivot
pins being positioned through said knee pad at predetermined locations
such that an effective center of rotation of said upper panel, said lower
panel and said knee pad passes through a center of rotation of the knee of
a wearer.
77. A garment according to claim 58 wherein at least some of said panels
are configured to form a gaiter section, with said gaiter section
comprising at least one shin panel, an ankle panel and a foot panel, with
said shin, ankle and foot panels being pinned together at one or more
locations to allow at least one of ankle rotation and toe articulation of
said gaiter section when worn by a wearer.
78. A garment according to claim 58 further comprising at least one strap
attached to at least one panel for a wearer to don said garment.
79. A garment according to claim 72 wherein said crystalline material is in
a powder form.
80. A garment according to claim 79 wherein said crystalline material has a
mesh size of at least 150 or finer.
81. A garment according to claim 34 wherein said crystalline material is in
a powder form.
82. A garment according to claim 81 wherein said crystalline material has a
mesh size of at least 150 or finer.
83. A garment according to claim 13 wherein said crystalline material is in
a powder form.
84. A garment according to claim 83 wherein said crystalline material has a
mesh size of at least 150 or finer.
85. A penetration resistant garment comprising:
a plurality of penetration resistant panels cooperating with and arranged
relative to one another to provide substantially complete coverage
extending over an area of desired coverage, with each panel comprising a
multi-layer structure having a first layer, a second layer and a third
layer, the second layer having a penetration resistance that is less than
the penetration resistance of the first layer and the third layer.
86. A garment according to claim 85 further comprising a third layer having
a penetration resistance that is substantially the same as the penetration
resistance of the first layer.
87. A garment according to claim 86 wherein said second layer separates
said first layer from said third layer by a distance between about 0.015"
and 0.025".
88. A garment according to claim 85 wherein said second layer comprises a
synthetic yarn formed of at least one of a single and multiple filaments,
said yarn having an denier of greater than 50.
89. A garment according to claim 88 wherein filament has a denier of not
less than 50.
90. A garment according to claim 85 wherein said second layer comprises one
of foam and felt.
91. A garment according to claim 85 wherein said second layer comprises, in
layered construction, a synthetic yam having at least one of a single and
multiple filaments and one of foam and fibrous felt.
92. A garment according to claim 91 wherein said synthetic yarn has an
denier of greater than 50.
93. A garment according to claim 85 wherein at least one of said first
layer and said third layer comprises a penetration resistant fabric and a
hardening material cooperating with said penetration resistant fabric.
94. A garment according to claim 93 wherein said at least one of said first
layer and said second layer further comprises a crystalline material
adhered to said hardening material.
95. A garment according to claim 94 wherein said crystalline material is
selected from the group consisting of ceramic, garnet, metal, silicon
carbide, aluminum oxide and diamond.
96. A garment according to claim 94 wherein said crystalline material is in
a powder form.
97. A garment according to claim 96 wherein said crystalline material has a
mesh size of at least 150 or finer.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to penetration resistant garments and more
particularly to lightweight, high-pressure water jet penetration resistant
garments.
2. Related Art
Industrial tools utilizing high pressure water jets continue to be
developed, such as, for example, metal working and cutting tools in which
the water jet is fixed and the workpiece is moved relative to the water
jet. Other tools, for example, hand-held gun-like water jet lances in
which the operator moves the water jet over a stationary workpiece, have
also been developed. These lances are used, for example, to remove
coatings, such as paint, from metallic surfaces. In both types of tools,
high pressure water pumps capable of delivering up to 40,000 psi supplies
the high pressure water to the jet. With increased operating pressures,
the overall horsepower of the pumps has also increased, which has resulted
in an increase in water flow rates.
The increase in pressure and flow has increased the risk of serious injury
from direct cuts or amputations and infections, especially when using the
hand-held water jet lance, for example. Not only does the water jet
contain very large energies that will penetrate body tissue very
aggressively, the water jet may carry dirt and bacteria into the wound
beyond the region of obvious tissue damage.
The water jet can be thought of as a needle-like penetrator because the
diameter of the jet is small. However, unlike a needle, which is defeated
when the tip is bent, a water jet continuously renews the sharp focus of
penetration. Conventional cut resistant or bullet proof garments offer
little protection from a water jet because the fabrics used in such
garments are readily cut and eroded by the jet's small intense contact
point such that full penetration may occur. In general, once penetration
has started, the erosive effect of the water jet destroys all of the
remaining fabric at the contact point. As a result, the use of high
performance fabrics having open, flexible weaves make such fabrics poor
candidates for use in protective garments for water jet applications.
Rigid steel or aluminum would offer protection from the erosion of the
water jet. However, in addition to the added weight, such materials
significantly compromise comfort and freedom of motion and thus are gene
rally not suitable for use in protective garments, especially in
industrial environments where such characteristics are necessary.
Given the risk in this industry, a number of attempts at safety garments
have been developed. DuPont and others, for example, have developed lined
suits using penetration resistant fabrics. An example of such a fabric is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,565,264 and 5,837,623, which are assigned to
the present assignee and which are incorporated herein by reference in
their entireties. The suits made from such fabrics are shaped and formed
using conventional techniques. For example, the front of the pant of the
suit is cut from a continuous piece of the penetration resistant fabric.
Alternatively, the penetration resistant fabric may be added as a liner
following the basic shape of the outer layer of the garment.
To provide a desired level of penetration resistance while retaining some
flexibility, multiple layers of penetration resistant fabric are used.
However, these added layers significantly add to the cost and weight of
the garment. In addition, the suits, which cover the entire body, tend to
hold heat and reduce the evaporative cooling of the wearer, which may
result in heat stress.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of tile present invention is directed to a penetration resistant
garment for use, for example, in the water jet industry that may be
comfortably worn by a user while offering protection against injury from a
penetrating object such as a water jet. The penetration resistance of a
single layer of the penetration resistant fabric for use in a penetration
resistant garment, may be significantly increased when a coating is
applied to the fabric. However, the coating may result in a significantly
stiff fabric, which may be less desirable for use as a continuous piece of
fabric in a penetration resistant garment.
Thus, in one embodiment, a penetration resistant garment includes a
plurality of light-weight, rigid, discrete penetration resistant sections
cooperating with and arranged relative to one another to provide a
flexible garment. In another embodiment, the penetration resistant garment
includes a plurality of penetration resistant panels cooperating with and
arranged relative to one another to provide substantially complete
coverage. In yet another aspect of the invention, the panels each have a
length. The panels cooperate with and are arranged relative to one another
such that a length of the garment is less than a sum of the lengths of the
individual panels.
In still another aspect of the invention, the penetration resistant garment
includes a first panel and a second panel joined to the first panel to
define a length. The panels are adjustable relative to one another to
selectively adjust the length of the panels.
In yet another aspect of the invention, the penetration resistant garment
includes an undergarment having penetration resistant properties and a
cover removably attached to the undergarment.
In another aspect of the invention, the penetration resistant garment
includes a penetrating resistant fabric and a hardening material
cooperating with the fabric.
In yet another aspect of the invention, the penetration resistant garment
includes a penetration resistant fabric forming the garment. The garment
is adapted to be worn exclusively on the front or the back of the user.
In still another aspect of the invention, the penetration resistant garment
includes a first panel, a second panel and a knee pad coupled between the
first and second panels. The knee pad is pivotally connected to the first
panel about a first pivot axis and pivotally connected to the second panel
about a second pivot axis. The axes are positioned through the knee pad at
predetermined locations such that an effective center of rotation of the
first panel, the second panel and the knee pad passes through a center of
rotation of the knee of a wearer.
In yet another aspect of the invention, a method of donning at least a
section of a penetration resistant garment on a wearer is disclosed. The
section includes a knee section having a knee pad, a first panel pivotally
connected to the knee pad and a second panel pivotally connected to the
knee pad. The section further includes a thigh section adapted to be
adjustable relative to the first panel of the knee section. The method
includes the steps of first securing the knee section to the wearer, then
attaching the thigh section to the first panel of the knee section. In
this manner, the garment may be readily sized for different sized wearers.
In another aspect of the invention, a panel construction use in a
penetration resistant garment is disclosed. The panel construction
includes a backing and a penetration resistant material covering the
backing. The penetration resistant material occupies an area less than a
total area of the backing.
In yet another aspect of the invention, a panel construction for use in a
penetration resistant garment is disclosed. The panel construction
includes a backing and a penetration resistant material covering the
backing. A laminate is disposed over the penetration resistant material.
In still another aspect of the invention, a kit of parts for use in
assembling at least a portion of a penetration resistant garment is
disclosed. The kit includes at least one penetration resistant panel. The
panel is adapted to cooperate with an arranged relative to an adjacent
panel to provide substantially complete coverage.
In a further aspect of the invention, a panel construction for use in a
penetration resistant garment is disclosed. The panel construction
includes a backing and at least two layers of penetration resistant
material covering the backing.
Various embodiments of the present invention provide certain advantages and
overcome certain drawbacks of the conventional techniques. Not all
embodiments of the invention share the same advantages and those that do
may not share them under all circumstances. This being said, the present
invention provides numerous advantages including the noted advantage of
increased protection with decreased physical and heat stress to the
wearer.
Further features and advantages of the present invention as well as the
structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention
are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to
the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a penetration resistant garment according
to one embodiment of the present invention shown on a wearer;
FIG. 2 is a front view of a torso section of the garment of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a rear view of the torso section of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the torso section of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a front view of a chaps section of the garment of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a leg section of the chaps section of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is perspective view showing adjustment of the chaps section
according to the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a front view of a gaiter section of the garment of FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the gaiter section of FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the gaiter section of FIG. 8;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of single panel of the garment according to
the present invention;
FIGS. 12a and 12b are cross-sectional views of alternative embodiments of
the panel taken along line 12--12 of FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is front view of a pair of chap covers for use with the garment of
FIG. 1; and,
FIGS. 14 and 15 are diagrammatic representations of alternative embodiments
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A penetration resistant garment that may be comfortably worn by a user
while offering protection against injury from a penetrating object, such
as a water jet for example, includes a plurality of light-weight, rigid,
discrete penetration resistant sections cooperating with each other to
provide a flexible garment offering substantially complete coverage
extending over an area of desired coverage. The sections or panels may be
layered in an overlapping manner to provide the substantially complete
coverage for the garment such that a length of the garment is less than a
sum of the lengths of the individual sections or panels to aid in
protecting the wearer from penetration while keeping the wearer dry and
clean. Sufficient overlap is provided to maintain adequate coverage of the
wearer when the garment is bent during use as the wearer bends. In one
embodiment, the panels are arranged to overlap in a vertical manner from
the top of the garment to the bottom to reduce the likelihood that water
will run behind the garment onto the wearer.
Although reference is made to use of the present invention for added
protection when using a water jet, the present invention may be used in
any environment requiring added protection from penetration of other
fluids or objects.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the penetration resistant garment 20
according to the present invention shown worn by a wearer 22 using a
lance-type water jet device 24. The garment 20 includes a plurality of
penetration resistant panels 30, shown as 30a-30k and collectively
referred to as panels 30, a torso section 32 (shown in more detail in
FIGS. 2-4), a chaps section 34 (shown in more detail in FIGS. 5-7), and a
gaiter section 36 (shown in more detail in FIGS. 8-10). Although only
three sections are shown and described herein, it is to be appreciated
that other sections covering other parts of the wearer's body may be
provided using the construction of the present invention. For example, arm
sections may be provided, which may be constructed and arranged similar to
the thigh section and knee section, thereby allowing bending of the
wearer's arm. The shoulder and neck may be protected with separate panels
joined to the torso section. In addition, although the garment described
herein is adapted for use with a human, the panels may be arranged to
conform to the shape of any desired animal that may be used in
environments requiring protection.
According to one aspect of the invention, the panels 30 cooperate with one
another in a manner such that the garment 20 remains flexible. In one
embodiment, as will be fully described hereinafter, the panels slide
relative to one another. In another embodiment, the panels are pivotally
connected to one another. In any event, it is to be appreciated that the
panels, which individually may be rigid, cooperate in a manner such that
the overall garment is flexible and therefore comfortable for the wearer.
Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, the torso section 32 includes a chest panel 40
generally shaped according to the chest of a wearer. The torso section 32
also includes a left waist panel 42 and a right waist panel 44, both
coupled to the chest panel and both generally shaped to conform to the
waist area and hip area of a wearer. Preferably, the waist panels are
coupled to the chest panel with the use of pivot pins 46, 48 passing
through respective holes formed in the panels. To provide adjustability in
the length of the torso section, a plurality of fastening locations may be
provided. For example, a plurality of holes 49 may be provided. The pivot
pins may be any suitable fastener. Preferably, the fastener permits
pivoting of the two panels and, as will be described hereinafter, allows
removing and replacing a panel. In one embodiment, the fasteners are
formed by a screw 50 and "T" nut 52 (see FIG. 4). Other fastening means
envisioned include a snap fastener or a rivet. The waist panels 42 and 44
are attached to the chest panel at outside portions 54 and 56,
respectively. As a result, when the torso section is placed on the wearer
and wrapped around the waist of the wearer to conform to the upper body,
the waist panels are permitted to pivot about the pivot pins to allow
increased flexibility of the garment.
If pivoting between the waist panels and the chest panel is not a
requirement, for example, if the user is not required to bend, but
adjustability is desired, other suitable fasteners may be used, such as a
hook and loop fastener (not shown). As will be discussed with reference to
the thigh section, the hook and loop fastener may provide adjustability in
the overall length of two adjacent panels while also securing them
together. Thus, in this regard, the chest panel 40 may be adjusted
relative to the waist panels by positioning and attaching the hook and
loop fastener at a desired fastening location.
The torso section 32 also may include a groin panel 58 coupled between the
waist panels and attached to the waist panels at inside portions 59a and
59b, respectively, of the waist panels with pivot pins 60, 62. The groin
panel 58 also is attached to the chest panel at an upper location 63 of
the groin panel with pivot pins 68, 70. The pivot pins may be any suitable
fasteners as described above. In the embodiment described herein, the
pivot pins are formed by a screw and a "T" nut. Of course, the groin panel
may be adjustable relative to the chest and waist panels in a similar
manner as described above with reference to the waist panels.
As best shown in FIG. 3, shoulder straps 72, 74, which may be made of any
suitable material such as a woven web, are attached to the chest panel 40
to allow the torso section to be worn like a vest. The straps may
criss-cross to provide greater secureness of the torso section to the
wearer. However, according to one aspect of the invention, the torso
section preferably is loosely fit on the wearer to provide for air flow
between the garment and the wearer to allow for adequate cooling of the
wearer. In addition, the straps may be adjustable provided that the wearer
is able to maintain adequate air flow between his or her body and the
garment. Although according to one embodiment the garment may be adapted
to be worn exclusively on the front or back of a wearer for added cooling,
the back and buttocks may be protected by additional panels as desired. In
such an embodiment, the garment portions protecting the back and buttocks
also preferably are loosely fit on the wearer.
To secure the bottom portion of the torso section to the wearer, a third
strap 76 may be used. In one embodiment, the strap may be secured to the
bottom section 78 of the groin panel 58 and attached to the straps 72, 74.
This strap also may be adjustable as described above. In addition, the
strap may include a snap buckle 80a, 80b to provide ease of placing the
torso section on the wearer.
Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, the panels are configured to form a chaps
section 34. The chaps section includes first 90 and second 92 leg
sections. For the sake of convenience, the construction and arrangement of
the chaps section will be discussed with reference to one leg section with
the understanding that the other leg section is of similar construction
and arrangement. Although it is to be appreciated that the leg sections
discussed herein are similar, they may be adapted slightly to accommodate
the left or right leg or may be constructed and arranged to offer greater
protection to one leg or to certain areas of the leg, as may be desired.
In addition, although the chaps section described herein provides added
protection to the front of the legs only, the back of the legs may be
protected with or without front leg protection by additional or
alternative panels as desired.
Each leg section includes a thigh section 94, which, in this example, is
constructed from one panel, and a knee section 96. The knee section 96
includes an upper knee panel 98, a lower knee panel 100 and a knee pad 102
coupled between the upper and lower panels. The upper panel is adjustably
secured to the thigh panel. One or more straps 104 with associated buckles
may be used to secure the chaps section to the leg of the wearer and may
be held up with one or more loops 106, which may be used to attach the
chaps section to a belt 108. In one embodiment, the straps 104 are
adjustable in a manner described above with respect to the torso section
32 and may or may not be formed of elastic webbing. In any event,
preferably, the chaps section is loosely held to the legs so as to allow
adequate air flow for cooling. An outhaul strap 110 may also be provided
to restrict movement or rotation of a leg section toward the inner thigh
of the wearer. The strap may include a buckle to adjust the length of the
strap to accommodate the height of the user.
As shown in FIG. 1, the torso section is constructed and arranged to
sufficiently overlie the chaps section to offer adequate protection and
water shedding, even as the wearer bends. In addition, the torso section
is permitted to slide relative to the chaps section to provide the wearer
with unrestricted movement while bending or turning.
The knee section 96 includes a first pair of pivot pins 112 pivotally
securing the knee pad 102 to the upper knee panel 98 about a first pivot
axis and a second pair of pivot pins 114 pivotally securing the knee pad
104 to the lower panel 100 about a second pivot axis. The first and second
pairs of pivot pins may be positioned through the knee pad at
predetermined locations such that an effective center of rotation of the
upper panel, the lower panel and the knee pad passes through a center of
rotation of the knee of a wearer. Of course, as described with reference
to the torso section, the pivot pins may be formed of any suitable
fastener such as a screw and "T" nut or snap fasteners. Hook and loop
fasteners may be used if pivoting is not a requirement.
As best shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the upper knee panel 98 may be adjustably
secured to the thigh panel 94 with the use of a hook and loop fastener
120. In this manner, the length of the leg section 92 may be fitted to the
wearer by moving the location of the attachment area of the hook and loop
fastener. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize that other
fasteners may be used to adjust the length of the leg section. For
example, a plurality of mounting holes 122 may be formed in the thigh
panel to receive a snap fastener, a rivet, a screw and "T" nut or the
like. The preferred amount of adjustment accommodates wearers having an
inseam length of 24" to 38". Accordingly, the amount of overlap is about
4" to 6". As described above with reference to the torso section, any of
the panels forming a leg section may be replaced as desired. The chaps
section may be donned by first securing the knee section to the wearer,
then attaching the thigh panel to the first panel of the knee section. In
this manner, the chaps section may be readily sized for different sized
wearers.
Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, the garment 20 further includes a gaiter
section 36. The gaiter section 36 includes first and second shin panels
130, 131, an ankle panel 132 and a foot panel 134. In one embodiment, the
foot panel 134 is adapted to extend up to the steel toe of the shoe of the
wearer. The shin panels and the ankle panel are secured together with
pivot pins 136 at a position adapted to allow ankle rotation of the gaiter
section when worn by a wearer. The two shin panels are shaped with similar
arc sections such that upon bending by the wearer, the second shin panel
131 is able to slide, at least partially, under the first shin panel 130
as can be seen in FIG. 10. Although two shin panels are shown and
described, it is to be appreciated that only one shin panel may be
provided. The ankle panel and the foot panel are secured together with
similar pivot pins 137 at a second hinge point that coincides with the
ball area of the user's foot such that the user may articulate the foot at
the toe area as shown in FIG. 10. With such a double hinge arrangement,
the gaiter section allows the user to bend to a maximum extent.
The pivot pins 136 may be formed of any suitable fastener as described
above, such as a screw and "T" nut shown. One or more straps 138 may be
provided to secure the gaiter section. In addition, a heel strap 140,
which may be formed of an elastic webbing or band, may be used to secure
the heel area of the gaiter section. The heel strap may be fixed to pivot
pins 136, as shown in FIG. 8, or may be attached at any other suitable
location on the gaiter section, such as the shin panel 130, as shown in
FIG. 10. Preferably, the chaps section 34 is adapted to cover the shin
panel 130 to provide a garment having continuous coverage.
With the cooperation of one panel to one or more adjacent panels, the
garment may provide substantially complete coverage over a desired area of
protection of the user. Thus, the panels are arranged in any suitable
manner such that a full coverage of a selected area is possible while a
single panel may cover less than the desired area.
According to another aspect of the invention, the garment may be provided
in a kit of parts containing at least some of the individual panels,
fasteners, and straps to allow a user to assemble and wear the garment
once it has been partially or completely assembled. Also, replacement
parts may be provided in one or more kits. The kits may also be provided
with selected components such that a user may arrange a specific assembly
suitable for a specific need.
In one embodiment, the panels have curved comers for added comfort and the
panels themselves may be curved to conform to the particular body part for
which the panel protects. In addition, the sides on some panels are curved
and complement the shape of adjacent panels. For example, the waist panels
are formed with a concave side 148 (see FIG. 2) on a side of the panel
facing the lower and outer thigh of the wearer's leg so as to complement
the bend formed on the chaps that offers protection to the inner and outer
leg. The concave side of the waist panels and the bend formed on the chaps
may also facilitate sliding of the waist panels over the chaps without
binding. Also, the groin panel is formed as an elongated panel having
curved edges to provide protection when the wearer's knees are straight
and when they are bent without causing binding or otherwise constraining
the wearer.
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, each panel may include a backing 150, with the
penetration resistant material 152 covering the backing. The penetration
resistant material occupies an area less than a total area of the backing.
The penetration resistant material may cover the backing such that an edge
154 of the backing remains exposed. The backing may be formed of a closed
cell low moisture polyethylene foam material or a polyester material. The
backing provides added comfort to the wearer and the exposed edge reduces
discomfort if the panels wedge into a body part, such as, for example, the
thigh, of the wearer. A liner 156 formed of a soft fabric may be used to
cover the foam. Preferably, the liner is made of polypropylene or
polyester filament fabrics, however, any fabric that is easy to clean and
provides low or no water retention may be used.
The penetration resistant material 152 of the present invention may be
formed of an ultra-tight woven fabric material made of high tenacity
yarns, such as that developed by the inventors of the present invention
and disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,565,264 and 5,837,623. Other suitable
fabrics made of high strength fibers of greater than 8 grams per denier
and less than 10% elongation at break may be used. Examples of such fibers
includes: para-arimid fibers including, for example, Kevlar.RTM.,
manufactured by Du Pont, Charlotte, N.C.; Twarmon.RTM., manufactured by
AXZO Nobel Industrial Fibers, Inc., Scottsboro, Ala.; Technoroa.RTM.,
manufactured by Teijan, Osaka, Japan; Trevir.RTM.manufactured by Kosa,
Charlotte, N.C.; ultra high molecular polyethylene fibers including, for
example, Spectra.RTM., manufactured by AlliedSignal Inc., Atlanta, Ga.;
Dynema.RTM., manufactured by DSM "The Polymer Corp.", Reading, Pa.;
Certran.RTM., which may be manufactured by Hoescht Celenese, Salisburg,
N.C.; Vectran.RTM. fibers, manufactured by Hoescht Celenese, Salisburg,
N.C.; carbon fiber; or glass fibers.
To increase the penetration resistance of the material 152, the material
may cooperate with a hardening material. For example, the hardening
material may be coated on the penetration resistant fabric or may be
saturated therein. In addition, the hardening material may include a
filler of a crystalline material adhered thereto. The epoxy and filler
provide resistance to the erosive effect of the water jet. Examples of
such an epoxy include epoxy resins, cross-linked polyester resins and also
polyether resins. Examples of such a crystalline material includes
ceramic, garnet, metal, silicon carbide, aluminum oxide and diamond. The
crystalline material may be in a fine grain powder form and may have a
mesh size of at least 150 or finer, for example, 600.
Preferably, the penetration resistant fabric has a very tight woven
construction. Saturation and/or coatings and/or laminations and/or
calendaring may be used to further bind the filaments of the fabric
together. However, any material that is added to the woven fabric should
have excellent adhesion to the fiber. For example, the use of an epoxy
when using a para-arimid provides adequate adhesion.
In another embodiment, also shown in FIG. 12a, which is a cross-sectional
view of FIG. 11 taken along line 12--12, a laminate 158 may be disposed
over the penetration resistant material to allow ease of water shedding
and cleaning. The laminate may be formed of a low friction material, such
as polypropylene, and may have a thickness of about 2 mils. In another
embodiment, the laminate may be formed as a woven material that is hot
glued and stitched to the penetration resistant fabric. Preferably, this
laminate fabric provides high durability and abrasion resistance. In one
embodiment, the fabric used in the laminate may include synthetic yarns,
which may be made up of individual filaments or multiple filaments. Each
filament may have a denier of not less than 50.
In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12b, which is a cross-sectional
view of an alternative embodiment of FIG. 11 taken along line 12--12, the
panel may be constructed of multiple layers of penetration resistant
fabric 152. In addition, to further increase the penetration resistance of
the garment, a spacer material 180 may be placed between two or more
layers of the penetration resistant material 152. In this regard, the
spacer material may alternate between single layers of the penetration
resistant material 152 or between multiple layers of the penetration
resistant material 152. The spacer material 180 preferably deflects and
distorts the water jet hitting the garment as the water jet penetrates the
outer layer. In one embodiment, the spacer material separates the layers
by a distance of about 0.015" to about 0.025".
The spacer may be formed of a fabric composed of synthetic yarns. The yarns
may be made up of individual filaments or multiple filaments. Each
filament may have a denier of not less than 50. Alternatively, the spacer
180 may be formed of a fibrous felt or foam having, in part, synthetic
yarns. In another alternative, the spacer may be formed of both a
synthetic yarn (made of individual or multiple filaments having a denier
not less than 50) and the fibrous felt or foam and may be formed in a
layered construction.
According to another aspect of the invention, the garment may include a
cover adapted to cover all or a portion of the side of the garment facing
away from the wearer. Referring now to FIG. 13, removable covers 160, 162
are shown adapted to cover each leg section of the chaps section 34. The
covers may include slits 164 to receive the straps attached to the panels.
Thus, the wearer may weave the straps through the slits, thereby securing
the cover to the panel. Of course, other suitable attaching means may be
employed. For example, snaps, adhesives, or hook and loop fasteners may be
used.
Due to the water and waste associated with water jet operations, operators
of water jet lances generally wear commercial rain suits having rubber
boots, plastic or rubber coated pants and hooded jacket. This rain gear
becomes contaminated by sticky waste, which requires the disposal of the
rain gear after a brief period of use. In addition, because of the high
physical exertion associated with water jetting, full coverage protective
gear and rain suits are not desirable as they tend to prevent evaporation
and retain body heat
Preferably, the covers are made of a material that economically allows the
covers to be disposable, yet offer water resistance, thereby protecting
the garment from dirt and grime, which may tend to reduce the useful life
of the garment. An example of such a material is spun bonded olefin, which
has a low cost, high tear resistance, high water resistance and high slip
surface properties. In addition, little water falls on the back of the
wearer's legs. Thus, preferably, the covers are adapted to cover only the
front portion of the wearer, thereby maintaining a low cost and providing
adequate cooling for the wearer.
According to another aspect of the invention, the garment may include a
base material adapted for wearing by a user. Such a base material may be
formed as pants or a shirt which the user wears or which is strapped onto
the wearer. According to this aspect of the invention, which is shown in
FIG. 14 as a leg section, the panels 30 are secured to the outer surface
of the base material 170 using any suitable fastening means, such as a
hook and loop fastener or snaps. The panels are secured to the base
material in an overlapping manner, as described above, but, in this
embodiment, cooperate with the base material such that the base material
may flex at an intersection between adjacent panels. Thus, in this
embodiment, attaching the panels to one another may not be necessary. In a
similar embodiment, which is shown in FIG. 15, the base material 170 may
include at least one pocket 172. The panels 30 are placed in the pocket
172 in an overlapping manner, although, as shown in FIG. 15, one panel is
being placed into the pocket while others are already inserted therein. In
this example, the base material formed with a pocket provides not only the
required flex for the panels, but also acts as the disposable cover.
While the best mode for carrying out the invention has been described in
detail, those skilled in the art to which this invention relates will
recognize various alternative embodiments including those mentioned above
as defined by the following claims.
Top